Denver, CO (Sports Network) - With plenty of drama swirling between Colorado
and Calgary off the ice, the Flames and Avalanche added their fair share of
fireworks on the ice Thursday at Pepsi Center.
Just hours after Calgary signed Avalanche restricted free agent center Ryan
O'Reilly to a two-year offer sheet, Matt Duchene netted the game-winner to cap
a three-goal third period, as the Avalanche mounted a furious comeback to take
a 5-4 decision over the Flames.
Colorado, which trailed 3-0 after 20 minutes, announced it had matched the
offer sheet during the first intermission, making O'Reilly a member of the
Avalanche for the next two years, and the news seemed to provide the necessary
motivation to the hosts.
Gabriel Landeskog registered a goal and two assists, while David Jones and
Paul Stastny recorded a goal and assist apiece for the Avalanche, who put the
brakes on a three-game skid with their third straight home victory.
Ryan O'Byrne also lit the lamp and Semyon Varlamov stopped 19-of-23 shots in
the triumph.
Jarome Iginla tallied twice and Mike Cammalleri scored once for the Flames,
who have dropped two straight. Joey MacDonald allowed all five goals on 36
shots in the setback.
The Sports Network